THERE are calls to create a city-wide drug summit to tackle drug dealing, drug abuse and cuckooing.

The Labour Group on Brighton and Hove City Council say residents are witnessing the “damage and misery” being caused by the problems.

The call to create the community summit – as well as a dedicated Community Drug Impact Co-ordinator post – are included within their amendments to the council’s budget, which is set to be decided this week.

The group said: “We have listened to our residents who have told us of the damage and misery caused by drug dealing, drug abuse and cuckooing in their communities.

“That’s why we want the Council to fund a dedicated Community Drug Impact Co-ordinator post and set up a city-wide community drug summit.”

Last year, The Argus reported how drug misuse is claiming the life of a resident almost every fortnight, according to grim government figures.

The figures made Brighton and Hove the drug misuse death capital of the south east.

Plans to combat climate change, tackle disadvantage and a freeze on parking permit charges are also included within the Labour Group’s proposals.

As are plans to preventing excessive parking permit rises, introducing a “carbon partner” incentive scheme and investing in improving bus services across the city.

They also want to reverse cuts to school services that improve outcomes for disadvantaged children and fund a project to provide early help for families recovering from the pandemic.

Labour’s leader of the opposition, Councillor Nancy Platts said: “We have already led efforts to strengthen the budget and our further proposals will have a positive impact on residents’ lives.

“We have listened to our communities and brought forward plans to address residents’ concerns on issues such as drug dealing, parking charges and bus services.

“Our amendments include a focus on tackling disadvantage across the city and combating the climate crisis through incentives, not sanctions.

“As usual, Labour’s approach to the Budget will be to work constructively and in the best interests of the city to secure positive outcomes for residents.”

Labour’s finance lead, Councillor Dan Yates added: “Labour’s budget proposals build on the positive changes we’ve already made to the budget, such as expanding the Council Tax Reduction scheme and increasing funding opportunities for the community and voluntary sector. They focus on the key issues our city faces.

“From tackling disadvantage, to combating the climate crisis, addressing drug crime and the educational attainment gap, to boosting the economic recovery of Brighton and Hove, Labour’s plans will deliver for our residents.”